Partnership with Coursera and Pluralsight will provide free training in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and software engineering to boost employability…..
The Federal Government has launched a new Digital Training Academy (DTA) in partnership with global learning platform Coursera, aiming to equip 36,000 Nigerian youths with internationally recognised digital certifications in high-demand technology fields.
The initiative was announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in a post on his X account following engagements at the Education World Forum 2026 in London, where the programme was formally unveiled.
According to the minister, the programme is designed to expand access to quality digital education and prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the global technology workforce.
The training will cover key areas including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and Software Engineering, with participants expected to earn certifications recognised by employers worldwide.
Alausa described the partnership as a major milestone in Nigeria’s effort to bridge the digital skills gap and strengthen youth competitiveness in the global economy.
He also confirmed that the Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 learning licences across Coursera and Pluralsight for the first year, removing financial barriers that could prevent participation.
The minister said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to making digital education more accessible, especially for young people across different regions of the country.
Implementation of the programme will be carried out in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), which will provide academic coordination, mentorship, and nationwide access support for participants.
According to him, the partnerships are expected to ensure that learners not only complete online courses but also receive structured guidance aligned with industry expectations.
He stressed that digital skills have become essential for employability in today’s global economy, adding that Nigeria must prepare its youth to compete effectively in the rapidly evolving technology space.
The minister also expressed appreciation to Coursera, NOUN, and YABATECH for their roles in supporting the initiative and expanding access to digital learning opportunities.
The Digital Training Academy is part of a broader government push to strengthen technical, vocational, and digital education across Nigeria as a strategy to address unemployment and improve workforce readiness.
In 2025, the Federal Government launched the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programme, which received over 90,000 applications shortly after its portal went live.
The TVET scheme, which places stronger emphasis on practical skills development, was designed with an 80:20 training structure that prioritises hands-on learning over classroom theory.
Officials say the combination of TVET and the new Digital Training Academy reflects a coordinated strategy to build a more skilled, job-ready generation capable of participating in both local and global digital economies.
